Epigenetic control of reproductive development

Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding research field focused on gene regulation and differentiation. Due to a sessile life, plants have evolved diverse adaptive mechanisms that are controlled by epigenetic processes. Epigenetic molecular mechanisms are in principle shared by plants and animals. There are two basic stages in plant development: The germline is formed after the vegetative period of life. Similarly, a unique stage in plant life is a haploid gametophyte, a short but important period requiring gene expression. These transitions in plant life are controlled by epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, nucleosomal histone modifications, and regulation via small RNAs. In this review we summarize epigenetic events in the course of transition from vegetative to generative development, formation of spores and gametes, and fertilization and embryogenesis.